Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
In addition to teaching children U.S. History and World History, each state also requires their schools to educate children on their particular state history. Wrapped up in the state histories, like the world and U.S. histories are storylines conveying the identity and mythos of the American people and more specifically the identity of that particular state. For instance, Texas has the Revolution and the Alamo, which is uniquely Texan and at the same time reinforces a reoccurring storyline of the United States.
Tennessee's Origin Myth was born on the banks of the Watuaga River in the late 1700s (C.E.). The Watuagans built the first permanent colonial settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains, along the first frontier on the way west through the Cumberland Gap and onward eventually to the Pacific Ocean.
Defying the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Watuagans later became to be identified as examples of how the Colonists had forged their own uniquely American identity, one removed from British authority. Being on the frontier, the Watuagans had to count on themselves to survive and for defense.
During the American Revolutionary War, the Watuagans mostly did not participate in the war against the British for practical security reasons, with the exception of the legendary Battle of King's Mountain. Near the shoals of the Watuaga River where the sycamores grow, the Watuagans mustered a force of frontier militiamen and headed over the mountains to fight Loyalist Forces causing havoc in nearby North and South Carolina. They engaged these forces led by British Major Ferguson at King's Mountain. They defeated the Loyalist Army and Ferguson himself was killed in the battle. The militia became known as the Overmountain Men. Their route to Kings Mountain is a National Historic Trail, most of it is along paved roads.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park commemorates the Watuagans and the Overmountain Men. A replica of Fort Carswell/Fort Watuaga was built near the muster site of the Overmountain Men and the original fort sights. The fort has become host for many events including historical reenactments (esp. of the Overmountain Men), demonstrations on pioneer skills, a Native American Festival held during the Summer and a Celtic Festival held during Fall.
The park has a two-mile trail known as the Mountain River Trail. The trail is a mix of history and fitness stations with lovely views of the Watuaga River. The trail is well-maintained with no hills to worry about huffing up and is easily navigated. The State Park is within Elizabethton's city limits and the Mountain River Trail is a popular trail for walkers and joggers.
Further Online Resources:
Official Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Website
Friends Of Sycamore Shoals
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
America's State Parks - Sycamore Shoals
Tennessee's Origin Myth was born on the banks of the Watuaga River in the late 1700s (C.E.). The Watuagans built the first permanent colonial settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains, along the first frontier on the way west through the Cumberland Gap and onward eventually to the Pacific Ocean.
Defying the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Watuagans later became to be identified as examples of how the Colonists had forged their own uniquely American identity, one removed from British authority. Being on the frontier, the Watuagans had to count on themselves to survive and for defense.
During the American Revolutionary War, the Watuagans mostly did not participate in the war against the British for practical security reasons, with the exception of the legendary Battle of King's Mountain. Near the shoals of the Watuaga River where the sycamores grow, the Watuagans mustered a force of frontier militiamen and headed over the mountains to fight Loyalist Forces causing havoc in nearby North and South Carolina. They engaged these forces led by British Major Ferguson at King's Mountain. They defeated the Loyalist Army and Ferguson himself was killed in the battle. The militia became known as the Overmountain Men. Their route to Kings Mountain is a National Historic Trail, most of it is along paved roads.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park commemorates the Watuagans and the Overmountain Men. A replica of Fort Carswell/Fort Watuaga was built near the muster site of the Overmountain Men and the original fort sights. The fort has become host for many events including historical reenactments (esp. of the Overmountain Men), demonstrations on pioneer skills, a Native American Festival held during the Summer and a Celtic Festival held during Fall.
The park has a two-mile trail known as the Mountain River Trail. The trail is a mix of history and fitness stations with lovely views of the Watuaga River. The trail is well-maintained with no hills to worry about huffing up and is easily navigated. The State Park is within Elizabethton's city limits and the Mountain River Trail is a popular trail for walkers and joggers.
Further Online Resources:
Official Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Website
Friends Of Sycamore Shoals
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
America's State Parks - Sycamore Shoals
Driving Directions:
From ETSU, turn right onto University Parkway. University Parkway is also known as US-321. Stay on US-321 headed toward Elizabethton for approximately 7.4 miles before making a left into Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Signs mark the way to the park.
Directions to Sycamore Shoals using Google Maps is linked here. |